SMEA faculty P. Joshua Griffin and Erendira Aceves‑Bueno, along with collaborators, co‑authored a new article in Restoration Ecology titled “Environmental justice in ecosystem restoration frameworks.” This research provides a systematic review of global restoration frameworks and reveals a significant gap: most current approaches to ecosystem restoration do not explicitly integrate environmental justice principles.

The article not only identifies this gap but also proposes a novel restoration framework that centers on recognition, procedural justice, and community empowerment throughout the restoration planning and implementation process. By grounding restoration in justice‑oriented practices — such as meaningful community engagement and equitable decision‑making — the work advocates for restoration efforts that benefit both people and ecosystems, especially in communities historically burdened by environmental harms.

This publication represents a major contribution from SMEA scholars and alumni toward advancing equitable and inclusive environmental science and practice.

Read the article on Wiley’s site